Largest Religion

Main Language

Progress

Introduction / History

At one time they migrated north to Karnataka, and they speak Kannada, the trade language of that state. Their name means, "those who serve." They are categorized both as a scheduled caste and as a scheduled tribe.

Though a sizable minority of the Adiyas own land, most of them cultivate the land for someone else. Between their poverty and their inability to save money, the Adiyas are usually dependent on shopkeepers for loans. They have a low literacy rate.

The Adiya people are most likely to marry one of their cousins, and their marriages are arranged by their families through negotiations. Marriages are solemnized at the bride's house. Her family pays for the wedding. As Hindus, Brahmin priests officiate at their sacred events. Though the Adiya people are Hindus, they worship family and village deities along with the usual Hindu gods.